News Summary
The Trilogy of Orlando Veterans Association held a memorial ceremony in Groveland to honor veterans buried at two cemeteries. With community support, TOVA not only commemorated their sacrifices but also provided school supplies to local students and veterans, highlighting their commitment to serving the veteran community. Future initiatives aim to enhance outreach and provide essential resources and support for veterans navigating post-service life.
Groveland, Florida – The Trilogy of Orlando Veterans Association (TOVA) held a significant Memorial Day ceremony on May 26, 2025, at the Groveland Greenwood Cemetery. The dual event aimed to honor veterans from two historic cemeteries: Oak Tree Union Colored Cemetery and Greenwood Cemetery. TOVA’s efforts included honoring the memory of veterans who may have been overlooked in past commemorations, reflecting a commitment to inclusive recognition.
TOVA conducted the ceremonies in conjunction with a broader mission to support veterans. The organization collected and distributed school supplies to local students and veterans as part of their fundraising initiatives. TOVA is dedicated to empowering veterans through community engagement, offering essential resources, advocacy, and services such as assistance with VA benefits and mental health support.
Commander Russ Jackson of TOVA led the invocation during the memorial ceremony at the Oak Tree Union Colored Cemetery, where a flag and wreath placement took place at 10 a.m. Vice Commander Michael Jaycox oversaw these rites, which remembered at least ten recognized veterans buried at the site, many of whom served in World War I. This cemetery had benefitted from recent restoration efforts aimed at preserving its historical significance since it had suffered from neglect since 1951.
Later in the morning, around 11 a.m., the ceremony transitioned to Greenwood Cemetery, where participants placed American flags at the headstones of veterans. This dual location event was designed to ensure all veterans were honored with the dignity they deserve.
In addition to commemorative activities, TOVA has plans to substantially expand its outreach to the veteran community. Future initiatives include educational workshops focusing on important topics such as navigating VA healthcare services and job placement assistance. These programs are intended to provide practical support to veterans, fostering integration into the civilian workforce and ensuring access to essential benefits.
Community engagement is at the heart of TOVA’s mission. The organization promotes camaraderie among veterans through social gatherings and an active Facebook group that provides updates on local initiatives and resources. TOVA encourages veterans and supporters alike to join in its mission, with resources available through their online platforms, including their website and social media channels.
The activities in Groveland celebrate a notable achievement for a city traditionally focused on memorializing veterans. With an eye toward preservation, TOVA continues to support projects like the restoration of Oak Tree Union Colored Cemetery, striving to share the diverse stories of veterans across various backgrounds. The organization’s efforts are critical in ensuring that future generations understand and appreciate the sacrifices made by veterans.
As this Memorial Day ceremony illustrated, TOVA’s commitment to honor, support, and empower veterans is more than a mission; it is a pathway to building a more inclusive and supportive veteran community. With the ongoing activities in Groveland, the organization marks a vital shift in recognizing and honoring all veterans, making strides toward an engaging and supportive future for those who have served.
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Additional Resources
- Click Orlando: Groveland Memorial Day Ceremony
- Wikipedia: Memorial Day
- Daily News Online: A Pawsitive Day for Veterans
- Google Search: Veterans Day
- Daily Commercial: Honor Fallen Heroes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Veterans
- SL Tablet: Groveland Memorial Day Flag Placement
- Google News: Memorial Day 2025

Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.